Anyone who has ever played a video game knows how captivating they can be. What you may not know is that there are now video games designed for educational purposes, and they can be an incredibly effective way to teach students new skills. If you’re thinking of starting a gaming course, or are just curious about what’s involved, read on. This article will cover the basics of setting up and running a gaming course and what to include in your curriculum.
What you need to know before starting a gaming course
Before you start a gaming course, there are a few things you need to take into account. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
- The age and ability of your students– You need to make sure you choose games that are appropriate for the age and ability level of your students. If you’re teaching young children, for example, you’ll want to avoid games with complex rules or graphic violence.
- Your budget– Games can vary widely in price, from a few dollars for an indie game to hundreds of dollars for a AAA title. Make sure you have a realistic budget for your course before you start shopping for games.
- Your curriculum– What skills do you want your students to learn? There are now educational games available for just about any subject, from math and science to history and language arts. Make a list of the topics you want to cover, then find games that can help your students learn those skills.
- Your time commitment– Running a gaming course takes time and effort. You’ll need to be available to answer questions and offer guidance, as well as stay up-to-date on the latest games and developments in the industry. Be realistic about how much time you can commit to your course before you get started.
- Your gaming gear– To run a gaming course, you’ll need some basic gaming equipment. This includes a computer or console, a TV or projector, controllers, and any other accessories you might need. If you don’t have all of this equipment already, make sure you factor the cost into your budget.
What should your curriculum look like?
Now that you know what you need to get started, it’s time to start planning your curriculum. The first step is to decide what skills you want your students to learn. As we mentioned before, there are now educational games available for just about any subject. Do some research and make a list of the topics you want to cover in your course.
Once you’ve decided on the skills you want to teach, it’s time to start choosing games. There are two main factors to consider when selecting games for your course: engagement and learning potential. Games should be both engaging and enjoyable for your students, while also offering opportunities for them to learn new skills.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing games for your course:
What is the game’s learning potential? Does the game offer opportunities for your students to learn new skills? Look for games that challenge your students and help them develop new strategies and problem-solving skills.
How engaged will your students be? The best games are those that are both challenging and fun. Look for games that will hold your students’ attention and keep them coming back for more.
What is the game’s replay value? Once your students have mastered a game, will they be able to continue playing it and learn new things, or will they quickly become bored? Look for games with high replay value that will keep your students engaged for the long term.
What other resources are available? In addition to the game itself, does the publisher offer any other resources that could be helpful, such as teacher’s guides or online support? These can be valuable tools for helping you use the game effectively in your course.
These are just a few of the things you should keep in mind when choosing games for your course. As you start looking at different games, you’ll get a better sense of what to look for and what to avoid.
When it comes to designing your curriculum, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Every gaming course is different, and the games you choose should be tailored to your student’s needs and interests. Use the tips we’ve provided here to get started, then experiment and find what works best for your students.
